Raleigh, NC (February 2, 2010) - Smith Anderson is pleased to announce that Craig B. Wheaton and Sarah W. Fox have joined the firm. They each bring more than 25 years of legal experience in their respective areas of practice.

Wheaton’s practice is focused on employee benefits, including fiduciary compliance, welfare plans and executive compensation. He is a Fellow of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel - one of four recognized in North Carolina and the only one in the Triangle. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® in the area of Employee Benefits Law for the last ten years and has been honored by North Carolina Super Lawyers®.

Fox's practice is in the area of Employment, Labor and Human Resources. She is a member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference, clerked for the Honorable Robert D. Potter, Chief Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, is a recipient of the Triangle Business Journal's Women in Business Award, has been honored as one of the top 50 Female Super Lawyers by North Carolina Super Lawyers® and elected to Business North Carolina's Legal Elite in the area of Employment Law. Fox is active in industry associations and community organizations including having served on multiple boards and as Chair of the Foundation of Hope, President of The Badger Iredell Foundation, Inc., President of Capital Area Preservation, President of The Junior League of Raleigh and Secretary of Ravenscroft School.

“We are delighted that Sarah and Craig have joined our firm,” said Carl Patterson, Smith Anderson’s Managing Partner. “Their extensive experience will add to the depth of our expertise in both the benefits and the employment practices, and provide tremendous value to our clients.”